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Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota delivers on promise to serve as experts on health care

FARGO, N.D. (June 14, 2013) — Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) hosted a press conference today to preview a series of informational sessions to help BCBSND employer groups, and ultimately North Dakotans, better understand the upcoming changes in health reform.

"Federal health reform is very complex on a national scale, but the landscape we are dealing with is different and unique to North Dakota. The businesses, and ultimately the members we serve have a lot of questions. We are here to help navigate them through the changes and understand the implications for their specific business," said Paul von Ebers, BCBSND president and Chief Executive Officer.

During the next two weeks, the organization will host a series of information sessions for BCBSND employer groups to help explain upcoming changes. Business owners have been invited to the sessions and need to register to attend; sessions are not open to the public.

Topics will include the Federal exchange and how it will work, insurance mandates and subsequent penalties, tax implications, and changes to insurance plans and benefit packages. Hundreds of hours have been spent compiling information to prepare for the forums and specific information will be available for individual businesses that work with BCBSND. Rather than sharing general information, businesses will be able to work with representatives that know the history of their business.

Additional health reform resources will be shared in the coming months to help serve North Dakotans.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.